Erlichman



Oct. 13, 1964 Filed April 24, 1961 l. ERLICHMAN COIN HANDLING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. IRVING ERLICHMAN ATTORNEYS V Oct. 13, 1964 l. ERLICHMAN COIN HANDLING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 24, 1961 INVENTOR.

IRVING ERLICHMAN W p 7M ATTORNEYS Oct. 13, 1964 I. ERLICHMAN 3,152,598

com HANDLING APPARATUS Filed April 24, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVEN TOR. IRVING ERLlCHMAN ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,152,598 COW HANDLHNG APPARATUS Irving Erlichman, Natick, Mass, assignor to Universal Controls, Inc, New Yorlr, N.Y., a corporation of Maryland Filed Apr. 24, 1961, Ser. No. 104,891 12 Claims. (Cl. 1333) The present invention relates to apparatus for handling coins. More particularly, the present invention relates to coin handling apparatus that may be utilized in the processing, registering or collecting of coins at toll or fare collection stations.

The fare or coin collection machines known heretofore and used pnimarily in public transportation vehicles and at toll stations have generally included means for processing the deposited coins or fares therein. These prior known fare collection machines, one of which is illustrated and described in the patent to Miller, No. 2,848,158, incorporates a feed mechanism for the deposited fares or coins that is adapted to periodically index the coins to a gauging station for determining the denomination thereof and then to a discharge point. The feed device for the coins as illustrated in the Miller patent included a rotor having a plurality of peripheral pockets formed therein, each of the pockets being adapted to receive an individual coin. Indexing of the rotor by a special drive construction caused the coins retained in the peripheral pockets thereof to be indexed to the gauging station and then to the discharge point. Because of the pocket construction of the rotor which included a plurality of radial arms that defined the pockets, the coins had a tendency to jam and thereby prevent the proper operation of the coin machine. Various types of antijamming and feed mechanisms have been proposed for the prior known coin machine and have in many instances successfully solved the jamming problem. However, such antijamming devices have overly complicated the structural details of the coil machine and have necessarily increased the cost and operation thereof.

The present invention represents a radical departure from the prior known coin collecting machines and includes a unique drive assembly for moving the deposited coins from the point of entry therein to a discharge area. In carrying out the concept of the invention, a flat rotary disc is utilized as the propelling means for the deposited coins and cooperates with a plurality of pressure members that are spaced from the outer periphery thereof, the pressure members and the periphery of the rotary disc defining a coin channel into which the deposited coins are injected. Due to the relative movement, of the rotary disc and the nonrotatable pressure members that bear against the coins within the coin channel, the coins are caused to advance around the periphery of the rotary disc to the discharge area. As in the prior known coin collection devices which are adapted to receive various denomination coins for the registering thereof, the present invention also includes means for gauging the diameter of the deposited coins for determining the denomination of said coins.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide coin handling apparatus for receiving and registening coins therein, the coins being advanced within a coin channel by a rotor that is continuously rotated during the coin feeding operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a constant drive coin feeding device for use in a coin 3,152,598 Patented Oct. 13, 1964 machine wherein coins deposited in the coin machine are moved by a rotor that rotates continuously during the feeding operation rather than in an interrupted or intermittent manner.

Still another object is to provide a coin machine for accepting coins of various denominations that eliminates jamming of the coins therein and feeds all diameter coins through the machine regardless of the diameter thereof.

Still another object is to provide a rotary member for use in a coin machine that cooperates with a plurality of relatively stationary surfaces and is thereby adapted to advance coins through the channel defined by the periphery of the rotary and stationary members.

Still another object is to provide a high speed feed mechanism for use in a coin machine that is simple in construction and that includes a constant drive rotor as distinguished from the prior known intermittent drive rotor.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coin machine embodied herein showing the use thereof as it would normally be employed in a public transportation vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the face plate of the coin machine with the cover plate thereof removed;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the coin machine face plate;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 4-4- in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electrical circuit embodied in the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, the coin machine embodied herein generally indicated at 10, and although one form of a coin machine is illustrated, it is understood that the principle of operation to be described hereinafter may be incorporated in various types of coin machines and wherever tolls or fares are collected. The coin machine 10 includes a housing 12 which is shown as that type of housing construction that is normally employed in a public transportation vehicle, such as a bus. In this type of housing construction, an inclined cover plate 14 is provided, the cover plate 14- being formed with a visible portion through which the coin path may be easily viewed by the operator of the vehicle or the attendant supervising the collection of fares. Mounted on the uppermost end of the housing 12 is a coin inlet 16 into which the coins or fares are adapted to be deposited by the patrons. passing through the toll or coin collection area. As is conventional in coin machines of the type illustrated, a lock box or vault may be positioned within the housing 12 for receiving the deposited coins or fares after they have been processed by the coin drive assembly to be described hereinafter.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, a coin drive assembly is illustrated therein and is generally indicated at 18. As will be more apparent in the description of the coin drive assembly 13 hereinafter, the principle of operation thereof resides in the advancement of the deposited coins through a coin channel by means of a rotary member that engages the peripheral edges of the coins and cooperates with a relatively fixed member that engages the opposite peripheral edge of the coins. The frictional drag created by the rotary member engaging the peripheral edge of the coin causes the coins to advance through the coin channel. As will be described, means are further provided for accommodating different diameter coins, the coin channel thereby being variable in width throughout the length thereof so that different diameter coins may be accommodated in the channel at the same time.

Secured in the housing 12 are a pair of spaced brackets and 22, the outer ends of which have a cross plate 24 mounted thereon. As shown in FIG. 4, a portion 26 of the forwardmost ends of the brackets 20, 22 are bent so as to extend rearwardly and upwardly to define an acute angle with respect to the horizontal. Secured directly to the rearwardly and upwardly extending portions 26 of the brackets 26, 22 by suitable screws 28 is a face plate 39 that is inclined with respect to the vertical. Secured directly to the face plate by screws or the like is the cover plate 14, which may be formed of a transparent material, such as glass or clear plastic that is preferably coated so as to blank out a major portion of the face plate, leaving only the coin channel thereof exposed as illustrated in FIG. 1. Also secured to the face plate 30 adjacent the upper end thereof and located adjacent the inlet 16 are spacer members 32 and 34 that are spaced apart sufiiciently to define a coin passage 36 through which the deposited coins are adapted to gravitate. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover plate 14 is cut out on the underside thereof to accommodate the spacer members 32 and 34, the under surface of the cover plate 14 cooperating with the upper surface of the face plate 38 and the spacer members 32 and 34 to define the restricted passage 36 through which the coins gravitate after deposit thereof in the coin inlet 16. Feeding of the deposited coins through the coin passage 36 is further facilitated by the inclination of the face plate 30, the deposited coins frictionally engaging the surface of the face plate 30 and being guided downwardly thereon by the spacer members 32 and 34. Mounted on the rear side of the face plate 30 is a mounting bracket 38 that is formed with outturned feet through which suitable screws 40 extend for securing the mounting bracket 38 to the face plate. Secured to the mounting bracket 38 is a motor 42 having a shaft 44 that extends through a central opening in the face plate and terminates on the forward side of the face plate. Mounted on the shaft 44 for rotation therewith is a circular disc or rotor 46 to which a hub portion 48 is integrally joined. Extending through the hub portion 48 is a set screw (not shown) that is adapted to engage the shaft 44, thereby securing the hub portion and the rotor to the shaft. A bearing 59 is suitably mounted on the rear of the face plate 30 and receives the shaft 44 therein and thereby mounts the shaft 44 for free rotation. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the peripheral edge of the rotor 4-6 is etched to define a roughened surface that is adapted to promote the feeding of the deposited coins as will be described. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral surface of the rotor is substantially uninterrupted as opposed to the prior known coin feeding rotor that is formed with spaced pockets such as illustrated in the aforesaid patent to Miller No. 2,848,158.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a plurality of pressure fingers or members 52 are mounted on the face plate 36 for pivotal and radial movement with respect thereto and with respect to the rotor 46. The pressure members 52 are disposed in surrounding relation with respect to the rotor 46 and are spaced from the periphery thereof to define a coin channel 54. The pressure members 52, although adapted to be movable in a pivotal and radial manner with respect to the rotor 46, are nonrotatable with respect thereto and thus cooperate with the rotor to advance the coins around the periphery thereof after they have been moved into the coin channel 54. In order to promote the proper feeding or advancing of the coins within the coin channel 54-, each of the pressure members 2 is formed with an inner arcuate edge indicated at 56 that has a radius of curvature substantially similar to that of the periphery of the rotor 46. Since various denomination coins are to be accepted and processed by the coin feed assembly 18, it is necessary that the coin channel 54 be variable in width throughout the length thereof in order to accommodate the different diameter coins. Inasmuch as the diameter of the rotor 46 is fixed, the coin channel 54- may be varied at various points along the length thereof by radially moving the pressure members 52 with respect to the rotor 46.

In order to move the pressure members 52 both radially and pivotally, it is necessary that they not only be freely mounted with respect to the face plate 30 but also adjustable with respect thereto. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the pressure members 52 is secured to a pin 58 to which a collar 68 is also secured. Each of the collars 60 is disposed in a corresponding slot 62 that is formed in the face plate 30 and that extends in a substantial radial direction with respect to the rotor Since the pressure members 52 must, in effect, fioat in. the slots 62 in order to vary the width of the coin channel 54, a lever 64 is provided for each pressure member, the levers 64 being secured to their respective pins 58 but pivotal with respect thereto. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the levers 64- is pivotally mounted on the face plate 30 at 65 and has a spring 66 in engagement therewith. One leg of each of the springs 66 is secured to the face plate 30, while the other leg thereof engages a lever 64, thereby forcing it inwardly toward the rotor 46. Thus it is seen that the springs 66 normally urge the free ends of the levers 64 on which the collars 6t) and pressure members 52 are mounted in a radially inward direction, that is, toward the periphery of the rotor 46. The inner ends of the slots 62 define limit stops for restricting further inward movement of the collars 6t) and thus act to normally space the pressure members 52 from the periphery of the rotor 46. As each coin deposited in the coin machine is advanced in the coin channel 54, it successively engages the pressure members 52 and forces them radially outwardly, the outward movement of the pressure members being guided by the collars 60 that are forced to move within their respective slots 62. It is apparent that as the coins strike the leading edge of each pressure member 52, that edge will be tilted in response to movement of the coin thereunder. This tilting or pivoting movement of the pressure member is provided by biasing the pressure members to a normally centric position with respect to the slots through the use of oppositely disposed springs 68 and 70. The springs 68, 76 are connected at one end thereof to a pivot arm 72 and are connected at the other end thereof to a pin mounted on the face plate 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover plate 14 is cut out on the under surface thereof to receive the various levers, arms and connecting pins that are mounted on the face plate 38. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, each of the pressure members 52 is interconnected through the associated pin 58 to a pivot arm 72, and since the pressure members and collars are directly connected to the pivot arm 72, engagement of the pressure member by a coin will be reflected by additional pivotal movement of the pressure member. This movement is then transferred by the pin 58 and collar 60 to the pivot arm 72. Since the pivot arm 72 is biased by the springs 68 and 78, any pivotal movement thereof will be resisted by the spring that is located opposite the direction of movement thereof.

When a coin passes under each of the pressure members 52, the pressure members will be lifted by the peripheral edge of the coin and will move with their respective levers 64 that pivot about the pivot points 65. The pressure members thus float outwardly and will be limited by movement of the collars oil in the slots 62. The levers 64 control the radial outward movement of the pressure members 52 and act to return them to their normal position in the slots 62 due to the biasing action of the springs 66. Thus as the coin advances around the coin channel, the pressure members 52 will be alternately pivoted and lifted in response to engagement thereof by the coin. The extent of pivotal and radial movement will, of course, be determined by the diameter of the coin located in the coin channel.

The movement of the coins within the coin channel 54 is accomplished solely through the engagement of the coins by the pressure: members 52 on the outer periphery of the coins and thus urge the coins into contact with the periphery of the rotor 4-5. The resiliently mounted pressure fingers 52, although movable radially and pivotally to accommodate the various size coins therebetween and the rotor 46, are nonrotatable with respect to the rotor i6 and thus cooperate therewith to provide a guide means for the coins. Since firm frictional engagement of the coins on the rotor periphery is induced by the inwardly urged pressure members 52, rotary movement of the rotor 46 will cause the coins to advance therewith in the coin channel, the advancing movement being continued so long as the coins are maintained between the coaching surfaces of the pressure members 52 and the rotor 5-6. In order to insure proper advancement of the coins within the coin channel 54, the periphery of the rotor is scored as indicated at 74. The scored or roughened peripheral edge of the rotor 46, by its good frictional contact between the rotor and the coins, promotes the proper feeding thereof. Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the leading edge of the pressure members 52 is displaced outwardly with respect to the trailing edge of the adjacent pressure member, this positioning being accomplished by slightly pivoting the pressure member through the pivot arm 72. By locating the leading and trailing edges of the pressure members in the manner indicated, the advancing coins will be moved from one pressure member to another in a successive manner and without the probability of jamming against the leading edge of the next adjacent pressure member. The leading edge of the pressure members is also rounded so as to prvent any jamming thereof against the advancing coins.

After deposit of the coins constituting a fare into the coin inlet is and upon gravitation thereof through the coin passage 35, the coins will be individually introduced into the coin drive assembly 13 due to the restricted area of the coin passage through which they pass. As each coin falls through the passage 36, it gravitates downwardly into contact with the periphery of the rotor 46. As shown in FIG. 2, a pusher plate 76 is positioned adjacent the coin passage 36 and is adapted to receive the coins as they gravitate downwardly toward the rotor 46. The purpose of the pusher plate 76 is to move the coins in engagement therewith toward the coin channel 54 whereafter contact by the first pressure member 52 with the coin will begin the feeding or advancement thereof through the coin channel 54. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure plate 76 is formed in a generally arcuate configuration, the inner peripheral edge thereof being slidably received on the outer edge of the rotor 46. In order to provide for movement of the pusher plate 76, a slot 78 is formed in the face plate 30 and underlies the pusher plate, the slot 78 having an arcuate configuration that provides for movement of the pusher plate 76 in a curved path as will be described. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pusher plate 75 is shown secured to a push lever 80 by means of a pin 82, the pin 52 being received within the arcuate slot 7 8 and movable therein. It is seen that pivotal movement of the push lever 8th will move the pin 32 therewith, the pin 82 moving within the arcuate slot 78 and carrying the pusher plate 7 6 therewith toward the adjacent pressure member 52. Thus as each coin is deposited on the pusher plate 7 6, it will be propelled into the coin channel by the pusher plate as will be described. The push lever 8% is pivotally mounted on the motor shaft 44- as illustrated in FIG. 4 and is formed with a hub 34 that secures the push lever in bearing relation on the shaft 44 so as to be movable with respect thereto. Pivotal movement of the push lever 8th is produced by a solenoid as that is mounted on the rear of the face plate 350 and includes a plunger 88 to which a link 99 is interconnected by a pin 92. The link 96 is operatively interconnected to the push lever 80 by a pin 94, a slot $5 being formed in the lower end of the link 94) for receiving the pin 94 therein and providing for lost motion of the link with respect to the movement of the push lever 80. A spring 96 is interconnected to an extension 99 of the lever 8t and resists movement of the lever hit upon en rgization of the solenoid 36. The spring 96 thus tends to retain the push lever in the position as illustrated in FIG. 3 and accordingly normally locates the pusher plate 76 in the inactive position thereof shown in FIG. 2.

In order to provide for automatic feeding of the coins to the coin channel 54 upon the deposit thereof in the coin machine, a coin switch generally indicated at 97 in FIG. 3 is provided and includes a bar 93, on the lower end of which a switch contact button 1% is mounted that projects through the slot 73 and is located in the path of the gravitating coins that pass through the coin passage 36 toward the rotor 46. The bar 93 is pivotally mounted on a support 102 by a pin 104 and includes a counterweight 1% that normally retains the bar 98 in flush relation with the rear surface of the face plate 30, thereby normally maintaining the contact button 1% in the slot 78 and in the path of the gravitating coins. The bar $8 also carries a contact assembly 168 that is maintained in engagement with a contact arm 11d so that upon pivotal movement of the bar 98 the contact arm will complete an electrical circuit which, as will be described hereinafter, causes the solenoid 86 to be energized for moving the pusher plate 76.

During the operation of the coin machine, it is necessary to disconnect the solenoid 86 and the motor 42 from the circuit at predetermined time intervals, and for this purpose, a pair of switches indicated at 112 and 114- in FIG. 7 are provided. The switches 11.2 and 114 are located in stacked relation as shown in FIG. 3, and each includes a switch arm 116 and 118, respectively, on the end of which followers 126 and 122 are mounted. The switch 112 is normally closed, the follower 12% being urged to the normally closed position thereof by engagement with a cam 124 that is mounted on the pin 82. It is seen that upon pivotal movement of the push lever 80, the cam 124 will follow the push lever as the pin 82 moves within the slot 78, the follower 123 then falling to a position that will cause the switch 112 to open. The switch 114 is normally open and is adapted to be closed upon movement of the solenoid plunger in an upper direction as seen in FIG. 3. A flange 126 is mount ed on the plunger 88 and is adapted to engage the follower 122 for causing pivotal movement of the switch arm 11% when the solenoid 86 is energized. Movement of the switch arm 118 will close the switch 112 as will be described hereinafter with reference to the circuit diagram of FIG. 7.

In order to discharge the coins processed by the coin machine, a discharge slot 128 is provided at the lower end of the rotor 46 and in the path of the coin channel 54. The discharge slot 123 is graduated in width in stepped formation so as to discharge the various coins processed by the coin machine in accordance with the diameters thereof. Thus the smaller coins will fall through the discharge slot 128 first after they have been moved thereto by the rotor 46, it being understood that the stepped formation of the slot 128 will cause the various coins to be discharged when they reach the portion of the slot that will provide for the entry thereof. If desired, a plurality of separately located partitions or coin receptacles may be mounted below the discharge slot 128 so that the coins falling therethrough can be collected in accordance with the denomination thereof.

Although no specific structure for gauging the diameters of the coins is illustrated herein, it is contemplated to gauge the coin diameters so as to determine the denominations of the coins processed through the coin machine. When the apparatus is employed in automatic toll collecting apparatus, such a diameter gauging device is useful in registering the amount of the coins processed and utilizing this information to indicate a fare paid. Several techniques are available for measuring the diameters of the coins processed through the machine, but it is contemplated to utilize the uppermost positioned pressure bar 52 as the diameter sensing member. As described in the aforementioned patent to Miller, No. 2,848,158, a gauging bar that is lifted by the coin in accordance with the diameter thereof may be interconnected to a contact bar that is moved into contact with an appropriate segment contact to complete an electrical circuit for indicating the denomination of the coin gauged. Since the uppermost pressure bar 52 is also lifted by the coins as they pass thereunder, it is contemplated to connect the appropriate linkage to the uppermost pressure bar for carrying out the coin identification as described in the Miller patent.

Operation In describing the operation of the coin machine, particular reference will be made to FIG. 7 which illustrates diagrammatically the electrical circuit embodied in the present invention. Upon deposit of a coin in the inlet 16 of the coin machine it), the coin will gravitate through the coin passage 36 until it strikes the pusher plate '76. In moving against the pusher plate 76, the coin passes over the coin contact button 1%, thereby pivoting the coin switch bar 93 and thereby closing the coin switch. As illustrated in FIG. 7, closing of the coin switch 97 completes a circuit to a coin switch relay R1 which is then energized to close contacts Rla and Rib that are located in series with the solenoid 86 and motor 42. The motor and solenoid are then energized simultaneously, which causes the rotor 46 to rotate, and at the same time the push lever 8% is pivotally moved to cause the pusher plate '76 to move in an arcuate path in accordance with the configuration of the slot 78, thereby pushing the coin in contact therewith into the coin channel 54. Since the pressure member 52 forces the coin against the periphery of the rotor 46, the continued rotation of the rotor 46 will advance the coin in the coin channel. As the coin passes the first pressure member 52 which is illustrated in FIG. 2 as disposed at the uppermost end of the rotor 46, the lifting of the pressure member 52 in response to the movement of the coin thereunder may be utilized to gauge the diameter of the coin for determining the denomination thereof. The pressure member 52 is moved in response to the movement of the coin thereunder and will both pivot and radially move outwardly in order to accommodate the coin within the coin channel 54. Referring again to FIG. 7, it will be noted that the motor and solenoid will remain energized so long as the circuit to the coin switch relay is closed. In order to deenergize the motor and solenoid, the switches 112 and 114 are provided, the switch 114 being closed upon upward movement of the plunger 88, which moves the flange 126 into contact with the follower 122. The switch 114 is then closed to complete a circuit to the relay R2, thereby opening the normally closed contact RZa and dropping out the coin switch relay R1. The relay contact RZb is also closed to lock the relay R2 to the normally closed switch 1112. Switch 112 is initially opened upon upward movement of the plunger 88, but when the coin switch relay R1 is deenergized upon completing the circuit to relay R2, the solenoid plunger will fall, thereby closing the switch 112. This is necessary in order to prevent the coin switch from being actuated by the pusher plate 76 which normally covers the coin contact button 1% when the solenoid 86 is energized. Thus the contact R2a remains open to desensitize the coin switch until the pusher plate 76 has returned to the normal position thereof, in which position the motor and solenoid are deenergized. Upon the depositing of the next coin, the coin contact button will be engaged again, and the cycle is repeated. As the coins are moved into the coin channel 54 by the pusher plate 76, continuous operation of the rotor 46 will advance the coins within the coin channel 54 until they reach the discharge slot 128, whereupon they drop through the discharge slot into a coin receptacle or vault.

It is seen that the present invention represents a radical departure from the heretofore known automatic coin processing machines which utilized a step-by-step indexing operation for processing the coins through a machine. The feeding mechanism of the coin machine embodied herein provides a constant drive rather than the heretofore known intermittent drive thus providing for high speed operation, which prevents jamming of the coins during the processing thereof. One of the problems experienced in the heretofore known automatic coin machines was the feeding of smaller diameter coins, such as dimes. Quite frequently, two dimes were indexed to a gauging station simultaneously, but with the present invention this situation is avoided since the rotor cooperates with the pressure feed members to segregate or separate the coins even when they are of substantially the same diameter so that they will be fed in singlefile relation throughout the coin channel. Jamming of the coins is prevented since a stalled coin will be driven out by an advancing coin, and thus the device inherently incorporates a self-clearing feature. The spring operated pressure members have relatively little movement, which causes little or no wear thereof and thereby reduces replacement costs and maintenance problems.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for handling coins of various diameters, a coin channel for receiving said coins therein, said coin channel being defined by a rotatable disc and a plurality of pressure members that are disposed around the periphery of said disc and spaced therefrom, the periphery of said disc being substantially uninterrupted, said pressure members being radially movable into contact with the outer periphery of the coins deposited in said coin channel and urging said coins into contact with the periphery of said disc, means for receiving coins, means responsive to deposit of said coins into said coin receiving means for moving said coins into said coin channel, and means for rotating said disc wherein the relative rotation of said disc with respect to said members causes said coins to move within said coin channel around the periphery of said disc.

2. In apparatus for handling coins, a base member, a rotor mounted on said base member for rotation with respect thereto, said rotor having a substantially uninterrupted peripheral surface, a plurality of pressure members mounted on said base member, said members surrounding said rotor and spaced from the peripheral surface thereof to define a coin channel, said pressure members being adapted to engage the coins located in said coin channel and urging them into firm contact with the uninterrupted peripheral surface of said rotor, means for receiving coins, means responsive to deposit of said coins into said coin receiving means for moving said coins into said coin channel, and means for rotating said rotor wherein the relative rotation of said rotor with respect to said pressure members causes said coins to advance around the peripheral surface of said rotor.

3. In apparatus for handling coins as set forth in claim 2, said pressure members being radially movable in response to contact of said coins therewith to accommodate said coins within said coin channel regardless of the diameter thereof.

4. In apparatus for handling coins as set forth in claim 3, said pressure members having an arcuate configuration, the curvature of which substantially corresponds to the curvature of the peripheral surface of said rotor, said pressure members being further pivotally mounted in biased relation and thereby being movable both radially and pivotally to accommodate the various coins that are moved into said coin channel.

5. In apparatus for handling coins, a face plate, a coin drive assembly mounted on said face plate including a rotor defined by a flat disc and a plurality of nonrotary coin engaging fingers surrounding said rotor and spaced from the periphery thereof to define a coin channel, said fingers being resiliently mounted so that the channel therebetween and the rotor periphery may be variable to accommodate different diameter coins, means for receiving coins, means responsive to deposit of said coins into said coin receiving means for moving said coins into said coin channel, and means operated simultaneously with the operation of said pushing means for rotating said rotor, wherein the deposited coin is moved around the periphery of said rotor through the coaction therewith of said nonrotary coin engaging fingers.

6. In apparatus for handling coins, a face plate, a coin drive assembly mounted on said face plate including a rotor mounted for rotation on said face plate and a plurality of nonrotary radially movable coin engaging members surrounding said rotor and spaced from the periphery thereof to define a coin channel therewith, resilient means engaging said members and normally urging them toward the periphery of said rotor but permitting radial outward movement of said members so that coins of different diameters may be accommodated in said coin channel, means for receiving coins, means responsive to deposit of said coins into said coin receiving means for moving said coins into said coin channel, and means op erated simultaneously with the operation of said moving means for rotating said rotor wherein the deposited coins are caused to move within said coin channel around the periphery of said rotor.

7. In a coin machine, a housing having a coin inlet formed therein, a face plate, a circular rotor mounted on said face plate in bearing engagement therewith and adapted to be rotated with respect thereto, a plurality of pressure members resiliently secured to said face plate and disposed around the periphery of said rotor in spaced relation with respect thereto to define a coin channel, said pressure members being movable with respect to said rotor to form a variable width channel, the width between any individual pressure member and the periphery of said rotor being determined by the coin disposed therebetween, means for rotating said rotor, push means communicating with said inlet for receiving coins gravitating therethrough and for introducing said coins into said coin channel, switch means responsive to movement of a coin into contact with said push means for actuating said push means and for moving the deposited coins into said coin channel, and means responsive to movement of said push means for simultaneously actuating said rotating means.

8. In a coin machine, a housing having a coin inlet formed therein, a face plate, a fiat disc defining a rotor rotatably mounted on said face plate in bearing engagement therewith, a plurality of pressure members mounted on said face plate and surrounding said rotor, each of said pressure fingers including an arcuate portion, the radius of curvature of which is substantially equal to that of the periphery of said rotor, said arcuate portions being spaced from the periphery of said rotor to define a coin channel therewith, a means for rotating said rotor, and means independent of said rotor for pushing a coin into said coin channel wherein the frictional engagement of the periphery of said rotor with the periphery of said coin as said coin bears against the nonrotatable pressure members causes said coin to be advanced around the periphery of said rotor.

9. In fare collection apparatus, a housing having a fare inlet, an inclined face plate located within said housing and defining the front of said apparatus, a rotor mounted for rotation on said face plate and disposed in parallel relation with respect thereto, a plurality of pressure fingers resiliently mounted on said face plate and spaced from the periphery of said rotor to define a circular channel therewith, a coin pusher finger normally communicating with said inlet for receiving said coins therefrom after deposit in said apparatus, a coin switch located adjacent said push finger and in the path of said coins as they gravitate thereto from said inlet, means responsive to the engagement of said coin switch by a coin for moving said push finger, wherein the coin located in engagement with said push finger is moved between said rotor and the adjacent pressure finger, and means for rotating said rotor whereupon said coin is forced to move around the periphery of said rotor in said coin channel, the inner edge of said coin constantly engaging the periphery of said rotor while the outer edge of said coin successively engages said pressure fingers as it is moved in said coin channel, and means for discharging said coin from said coin channel in accordance with the diameter thereof.

10. In apparatus for handling fare parts, a housing, a rotor mounted for rotation in said housing, a plurality of pressure members surrounding said rotor and spaced therefrom to define a coin channel therewith, means for receiving fare parts, means responsive to deposit of fare parts into said fare part receiving means for moving said fare parts into said coin channel, wherein said fare parts are frictionally engaged by said pressure members and the periphery of said rotor, and means for rotating said rotor wherein relative rotary movement between said rotor and said pressure members causes said fare parts to be advanced around the periphery of said rotor.

11. In apparatus for handling coins, a base member, a rotor mounted on said base member for rotation with respect thereto, said rotor having a substantially uninterrupted peripheral surface, a plurality of pressure members mounted on said base member, said pressure mem bers surrounding said rotor and being spaced from the peripheral surface thereof to define a coin channel, said pressure members further being radially movable in response to contact of said coins therewith to accommodate said coins within said coin channel regardless of the diameter thereof, the pressure members thereby engaging the coins located in said coin channel and urging them into firm contact with the uninterrupted peripheral surface of said rotor, means for introducing said coins into said coin channel including a pusher member, means for receiving coins, means responsive to deposit of said coins into said coin receiving means for moving said coins into said coin channel, and means for rotating said rotor wherein the relative rotation of said rotor with respect to said pressure members causes said coins to advance around the peripheral surface of said rotor.

12. In apparatus for handling coins, a base plate, a coin channel formed on said plate and defined by a rotatable flat disc and a plurality of nonrotatable radially movable pressure members spaced from the periphery of said disc, said disc having a substantially uninterrupted peripheral surface, means for biasing said pressure members inwardly toward the peripheral surface of said disc so that said fingers are urged into positive engagement with coins that are located in said coin channel, the radial movement of said pressure members providing for a combination of different diameter coins in said coin channel, means for rotating said disc wherein the engagement of the nonrotatable pressure members on the peripheral edge of said coins and the engagement of the uninterrupted peripheral surface of said rotatable disc on the opposite peripheral edge of said coins causes said coins to be frictionally moved through said coin channel, means for urging said coins into said coin channel, means responsive to said urging means for simultaneously operating said rotating means, and means communicating with said coin channel for discharging said coins therefrom.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Alexander Sept. 11, 1945 Fry Dec. 30, 1947 Urquhart Feb. 17, 1959 Miller Apr. 14, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS Germany June 15, 1916 

1. IN APPARATUS FOR HANDLING COINS OF VARIOUS DIAMETERS, A COIN CHANNEL FOR RECEIVING SAID COINS THEREIN, SAID COIN CHANNEL BEING DEFINED BY A ROTATABLE DISC AND A PLURALITY OF PRESSURE MEMBERS THAT ARE DISPOSED AROUND THE PERIPHERY OF SAID DISC AND SPACED THEREFROM, THE PERIPHERY OF SAID DISC BEING SUBSTANTIALLY UNINTERRUPTED, SAID PRESSURE MEMBERS BEING RADIALLY MOVABLE INTO CONTACT WITH THE OUTER PERIPHERY OF THE COINS DEPOSITED IN SAID COIN CHANNEL AND URGING SAID COINS INTO CONTACT WITH THE PERIPHERY OF SAID DISC, MEANS FOR RECEIVING COINS, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO DEPOSITE OF SAID COINS INTO SAID COIN RECEIVING MEANS FOR MOVING SAID COINS INTO SAID COIN CHANNEL, AND MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID DISC WHEREIN THE RELATIVE ROTATION OF SAID DISC WITH RESPECT TO SAID MEMBERS 